Since it was Li Zhaoting’s summons, no matter how many doubts she had, Suzhen had no choice but to go out.

Waiting outside the door was actually Supervisor Xiao.

Suzhen’s heart sank again. Supervisor Guo happened to arrive at this moment—what a coincidence. The two were mortal enemies, and the masters they served were now also mortal enemies. It was truly enemies meeting on a narrow path.

Supervisor Xiao smiled and spoke, “There’s much to do today. I’m here on my master’s orders to invite Consort Shu. How did Supervisor Guo also come? Shouldn’t you be managing things at the front? The officials’ banquet isn’t finished yet.”

Since it was Aluo’s wedding banquet, many matters were entrusted to her. She was subtly mocking that Supervisor Guo had nothing to do. Supervisor Guo was angry in her heart. Suzhen grasped her hand, then released it, smiling, “Aunt Xiao, shall we not go yet?”

Only then did Supervisor Xiao stop talking. Supervisor Guo said quietly, “Miss, where are you going? Do you need this servant to accompany you?”

Suzhen declined, “No need. I’ll go and return quickly. Aunt Xiao, please.”

Soon they reached the Central Palace. Outside, colorful decorations hung high, brilliant and magnificent, continuing the earlier festivity. Imperial guards were strict, patrolling around the courtyard, with many eunuchs and palace maids keeping night watch. Xiao Si and Mei’er were also there.

Seeing her arrival, Xiao Si seemed somewhat surprised. Mei’er smiled and spoke, “Li… oh no, Consort Shu, this order was given earlier. Now His Majesty and the Empress have… retired. Please wait outside the hall.”

Suzhen was crystal clear in her heart—this order was probably from Aluo. She wanted her to witness her deep affection with Li Zhaoting, to repay her for the so-called betrayal between her and Lian Yu in the past.

Mei’er deliberately spoke vaguely. Suzhen couldn’t press for details and couldn’t disobey the imperial decree. She nodded, “Very well.”

Mei’er saw her being straightforward without anger, and frowned. At this moment, Suzhen glanced through the tall palace doors into the interior, seeing only two palace maids guarding the courtyard. Red lanterns hung under the eaves of the central chamber, quite enchanting.

The lamplight in the room reflected two silhouettes, slightly intertwined. Finally, the lights went out.

Mei’er watched Suzhen observing calmly, still neither angry nor hurt, not showing the slightest grief. Her frown deepened. Suddenly she heard the other party say, “You, and you—go get… mm, this palace some tables and chairs. Supervisor Xiao, go to the kitchen and stir-fry some dishes, and have someone bring some good wine. The night is long—I’ll eat and drink while waiting slowly.”

She was immediately stunned, as were Supervisor Xiao and Xiao Si.

Supervisor Xiao said, “Consort Shu, this isn’t your place. Such orders seem inappropriate—”

“Precisely because this is the Empress’s palace, the way of receiving guests is different from elsewhere. Or do you need to go in and ask for instructions before deciding whether to serve me? That’s fine too—I’ll wait.” Suzhen coldly interrupted her.

Several people were all angry, but of course, no one would disturb the harmonious emperor and empress at such a moment.

Suzhen knew they wouldn’t, and said more sternly, “Why aren’t you going quickly! I am the master, you are servants. Has this palace now become a place where servants make decisions?”

Supervisor Xiao slightly gritted her teeth and agreed to withdraw. Mei’er and Xiao Si were resentful. As the latter was about to arrange for eunuchs to fetch tables and chairs, Suzhen smiled, “Si Zaizi, you go.”

“You! Just wait and see!” Xiao Si was so angry his eyes blazed as he stamped his foot and left.

Soon everything was ready, but Suzhen didn’t touch her chopsticks. She just wanted to dampen these people’s spirits. Aluo was Li Zhaoting’s beloved and now honored as Empress—she couldn’t confront her directly and bring trouble on herself. But these people were different. Whether she treated them well or not, they wouldn’t give her any good treatment, so why should she yield?

Smelling the wine fragrance, she unexpectedly remembered that night with Lian Yu when he came riding Shaqi Ma… the large flower on his clothes. Thinking of this, her lips couldn’t help but slightly curve up, then her nose felt sour.

Temporarily forget him—that was what she promised!

She didn’t dare think further and quickly picked up a small stone from the ground, starting to scratch on the table. In her distraction, she suddenly jabbed her hand, skin splitting and blood flowing. As if unaware, she continued using symbols only she could understand to write and plan, not allowing herself to stop.

Inside the courtyard room was another scene. Under the dim bed curtains, Aluo’s voice was breathless, “Zhaoting, after today can I still call you this way?”

Li Zhaoting moved his body, his voice also hoarse, “In private with no one around, naturally you can.”

“Thank you for giving me the highest position today. Though I know you’re balancing the Wei and Miao families, you could have left the empress position vacant. You kept your promise to me…”

“You’ve been my dream since youth. Now I’ve finally made it come true.”

He looked at her tenderly, then thrust forward. Pain struck. Aluo gripped the bedding tightly and heard his breathing grow heavier…

After most of an hour, having finished his business and fearing he might hurt her, he didn’t continue wildly but held her in his arms and closed his eyes to sleep. Aluo still felt soreness and discomfort, yet also carried shameful lingering sensations. She knew he had never had chamber maids before—tonight was her first night, and also his… Remembering his earlier strength and tenderness, his vigorous body, she couldn’t help but flush, her feelings for him growing stronger. Yet she also thought of Lian Yu, bitterness and hatred still tangled unclearly.

Enduring drowsiness, she gently removed his hand from her waist and quietly got out of bed, picking up her middle garment from the footstool.

She still had to handle one matter—that female concubine of Lian Yu!

Having walked only a few steps, a light cough came from the darkness.

“Where are you going?” Immediately after came his light questioning voice.

She was slightly startled, then replied, “I summoned Feng Suzhen in your name. She offended you in the hall today. I was displeased, so I’m having her suffer a rebuff as punishment for her disrespect toward you.”

Half true, half false—she deliberately spoke from his perspective. But she didn’t completely hide it, knowing he doted on her.

Li Zhaoting got up and dressed. He wasn’t unaware of Aluo’s thoughts, but since she was his beloved woman, he didn’t expose her. Originally, that person’s attitude in the hall today had… but since today was a momentous occasion, he had barely restrained himself from finding trouble with her. Since she was here now, it was just right. Thinking of her face full of jealousy and hatred, his heart felt a surge of pleasure.

“I’ll go out with you, lest she think you summoned her.” He said.

Aluo’s heart sweetened as she pouted, “You’re allowing me to falsely transmit imperial edicts? And backing me up?”

“It’s not court business—once is fine. But don’t do it again next time, understand?” He spoke with a smile, but his voice also carried unquestionable authority.

Aluo’s heart tightened slightly. She quickly came to help him dress, trying to please him, “Yes, yes, yes, Your Majesty above, this consort understands.”

When the two walked out of the courtyard hand in hand, Li Zhaoting immediately smelled alcohol. He frowned and saw a table that appeared out of nowhere placed outside the courtyard, surrounded by several wine jars, with exquisite untouched dishes on the table. Suzhen was slumped over her arm, her left hand lying straight on the table surface, half covered in fresh blood, with a sharp-edged stone thrown beside it. His heart jolted. Seeing Supervisor Xiao and the others standing nearby, he angrily shouted, “Are you mad? Your master cuts her wrist and you neither stop nor report it?”

As he spoke, he violently kicked the nearest Mei’er!

Mei’er cried out “Ah!” and fell to the ground, blood seeping from the corner of her mouth. Supervisor Xiao quickly said in alarm, “Your Majesty, please calm your anger. Consort Shu didn’t cut her wrist—she was probably tired and fell asleep—”

Li Zhaoting was slightly stunned. Looking closer, he saw that though her complexion was pale, her breathing was even. His heart’s palpitations settled slightly, then his fury intensified. He stepped forward and roughly pulled her up.

Aluo watched his almost violent movements, feeling no joy in her heart. A woman’s intuition told her that Li Zhaoting was nervous about this person! And last time… when this person glared at him from the ground, he suddenly ordered everyone to leave. Was that really just gratitude to the Feng family, or even the childhood affection she’d always believed? And not… something else?

Suzhen had barely relaxed her guard for a moment these days, barely closing her eyes until near dawn each day. The wine wasn’t for drinking but just to smell and relieve fatigue. Who knew she’d finally succumb and fall asleep? Feeling pain in her hand, she looked up somewhat bewildered and was about to say “Lian…”

Before the word “Yu” could leave her lips, seeing Li Zhaoting’s dark eyes, she suddenly realized and said, “Greetings to Your Majesty, greetings to the Empress.”

After thinking, she added, “Since Your Majesty’s summons was probably impromptu, and this spring night is worth a thousand gold—you should handle your proper business a few more times. This consort will take her leave first.”

Seeing her leave with perfect courtesy, Li Zhaoting stepped forward, clenching his fists until his knuckles cracked slightly. Aluo stood behind him, saying nothing.

At dawn, when Li Zhaoting left for morning court, Aluo suddenly said to Mei’er, “His Majesty will either go to Miaoyin’s palace or Wei Wulei’s chambers today. Two days later, he’ll return to me. Send word to that old eunuch in the Internal Affairs Department to remind His Majesty when the time comes to turn over Consort Shu’s tablet, saying I advised it.”

Li Zhaoting’s kick last night made Mei’er hate Suzhen even more. Hearing this, she couldn’t help but worry, “Your Majesty, what’s wrong with you? If this happens, one night as husband and wife brings a hundred days of affection—what if His Majesty develops more fondness for that little whore? What would we do!”

Aluo narrowed her eyes slightly, “Have you forgotten? Feng Suzhen is no longer a virgin. Lian Yu… couldn’t control himself and touched her. I suspected it then and had Supervisor Guo investigate for me. Later, she confirmed this point. Tell me, if His Majesty found out, what would happen?”